Quartering of soldiers

The German Occupation combated several companies, materially, notably through requisitions of material and buildings, and financially, through participation in the war effort. German troops took over possession of French, Belgian and Dutch military bases as well as material left on site or in captured units. The majority of public buildings and hotels were requisitioned so as to be used as barracks and headquarters.

Despite this, and although the German army commissioned the construction of barracks, in many towns and villages, the residents were obligated to house German soldiers in their houses and flats. Although, in the vast majority of cases, the German HQ asked for irreproachable behaviour by troops, this situation was ill-fated for the civilians.